The Light of the Night

Another evening had passed along the quiet neighborhood outside Canterlot City. The full moon was at its peak, shining over the window of a bedroom like the evening’s own sun. A ten-year-old child sleeps silently in the bed, Starbeam Glitter, drifting off into the world of dreams. But while she seemed silent and still on the outside, deep within the confines of her mind it is a completely different story.

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Starbeam Glitter was dreaming once more, and she was having a nightmare. Only this time, it was far worse than the dreams she had for the last five years. The maniacal laugh would not cease, the cackling of her voice tormented her. And as seconds turned into minutes, the poor girl grew more scared. As if just hearing her couldn’t get any worse, the twisted melody still rings in her ears.

“In the dark blue sky you keep… And often throw’ my curtains peep…”

“Go away…!” Starbeam cried, her voice echoing. “LEAVE ME ALONE!”

“For you never shut your eye… Till the sun is in the sky…”

“MOM… MOM!!!”

“Twinkle, twinkle, little star… How I wonder where… You… Are…”

Before her very eyes, the figure appeared behind her so suddenly. A cry escapes the girl’s lips as she twisted violently around and backed away. It was the haunting figure that had been plaguing her for years, so cruel and twisted that this creature has been a plague to her family as a whole. Midnight Sparkle, floating before her, mocking her…

“Why the long face, little star? If I didn’t know any better, it’s almost like you’re not happy to see me. What a pity.”

Starbeam expected this reception from her: The succubus demon taunting her, as the ground crumbled beneath her feet. Starbeam turned and ran, her eyes never leaving from the smirk of Midnight’s half-face. But the girl did not get far when the floor fully broke apart, and she fell into the deep dark abyss screaming into the endless pit of nothing. She fell at great speed, down through the seemingly endless depths with not a sign of the ground to be seen.

After much time passed, falling in the dark, Starbeam Glitter eventually hits the ground… But luckily, the landing was soft like falling into a pile of hay after freefalling. As the girl stirred, taking note of her surroundings, she feels around her body fortunate to find no serious injuries, neither a fracture nor a sign of bleeding. A sigh of relief escapes her lips as she lays back onto the ground.

“How… How am I here again…?” Starbeam thought to herself. “Why does it feel so… Familiar?”

As Starbeam Glitter slowly made her way to her feet, she wanders aimlessly in the dark as only the sound of her footsteps echo in the silence. The creature from before was nowhere to be seen, all the more making Starbeam nervous. Knowing for a fact that Midnight Sparkle could appear at any time and anywhere. She couldn’t afford to lower her defenses not even for a single moment.

All of a sudden, a different kind of feeling sweeps across her as a light appears before her. It felt warm, a welcoming feeling wrapped around the girl like a warm blanket on a cold day. And yet somehow, this feeling felt so familiar to her. As Starbeam’s eyes adjust to the light, a silhouette emerges from the light, standing in front of it. While she couldn’t identify the figure by the body structure alone, there was that familiar voice that was impossible for her to miss.

“Starbeam? Starbeam?” The voice called. “Where are you?”

“Mom?” She spoke, raising her voice. “MOM!!!”

Starbeam recognized the nurturing voice of her mother, as she ran toward the figure before the light. As she got closer, she saw the gleam as the light bounced off the figure’s glasses, the violet skin-tone basked in the light, and the streaks of mulberry in her violet hair tied in a ponytail. Extending her arms, Starbeam wrapped her arms tightly around her mother. She held her as if she were afraid if she let go for a second, her mother might disappear.

“Mom!” Starbeam cried, leaning into her chest. “I’m so glad you’re here!”

“Shh… There, there Starbeam,” Twilight cooed, with a hushed tone. “You’re safe now. Everything’s okay.”

“No! No, it’s not!” Starbeam shook tearfully. “She’s after me! She’s trying to take me away from you! I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before, but I—”

All at once, Starbeam stopped when she suddenly realized something felt wrong. Literally, she felt something scratch against her suddenly seeing her mother’s hands were darker and her nails were longer, scratching against her daughter’s back like a cat on a scratching post. Gasping heavily, Starbeam looks up as her mother’s face had changed, more demonic. Her teeth were sharper, her eyes, resembling a feline, were glowing like the blue flames around the eyes, and her hair was wilder.

“What’s the matter, little star?” She asked. “Don’t you recognize your own mother?”

Starbeam released an ear-piercing scream as the demoness had her trapped in her clutches. A malicious chuckle escapes Midnight’s lips, as she leaned her head violently, her jaw opened, aiming towards Starbeam.

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Starbeam screamed, as she thrust herself violently on the bed and hurled the bed sheets aside. Starbeam breathed heavily, yet her chest felt like it was on fire. The instant her scream was released, Twilight Sparkle, of the human world, appeared in her room. Her face displayed frantic worry over her daughter’s cry.

“Starbeam, what hap—”

Twilight Sparkle stopped herself, as she noticed the violent tears streaming from her daughter’s eyes. She tried to fold her hands over her face, trying to calm herself with steady breathing. But that did not prevent the tears from pouring out. Slowly, Twilight Sparkle approached her daughter, holding her close.

“Shh… It’s okay, Starbeam,” Twilight assured silently. “I’m here… I’m here.”

“I-I’m okay…” Starbeam said, trying to assure her mom. “It was just a nightmare… I didn’t mean to freak out…”

Suffice to say, Twilight Sparkle knew better than to believe Starbeam just like that. She was smart enough to know when something’s wrong, especially concerning her daughter. This time, there would be no exception.

“No Starbeam,” Twilight shook her head. “I know you’re not fine. Just look at you; you’re practically shaking. Was it that nightmare again?”

Deep down, Starbeam knew her mother was right since they both knew the subject in question. Still, she did not want her mom to worry especially about Midnight Sparkle. There was just too much she had to process, and she knew her mother had been through enough these past ten years.

“I-It’s nothing,” Starbeam said. “Just a weird dream, that’s all…”

Twilight Sparkle was hoping for Starbeam to tell her more, feeling as if she was purposely holding out on her own mother. But if there’s one thing about Starbeam, her daughter could be very stubborn. That was no surprise, considering that Twilight and her wife are both guilty of having a stubborn streak. That same streak which ended up passed onto their daughter since the day she was born. And yet, that would not stop Twilight’s efforts to help.

“Starbeam Glitter, I know you’re trying not to make me worry,” Twilight spoke firmly. “You may think you handle everything yourself, but there’s no shame in asking for help and I speak from experience. You know I only want to help you, to protect you from whatever is bothering you. Because I’m not just your mother, I’m your friend and all I need is for you to look me in the eye and talk to me.”

But instead, Starbeam Glitter turned away from her own mother. Twilight felt a stinging sensation in her heart, an all-too familiar feeling of déjà vu long ago. But in Starbeam’s head, this reminded her of that frightening image from her dream, playing over and over like it was on loop.

“Please, Starbeam,” Twilight implored. “Just let me help you.”

“Mom, please—” Starbeam shook her head.

“Starbeam—”

“NO!!!”

Twilight Sparkle reeled back from her daughter’s outburst, as if feeling she was making things worse. Starbeam tried to fight back the tears, while muttering ‘I’m sorry’ over and over. She kept apologizing, either to herself or to her mother, while leaning onto her knees and holding herself close. Reluctantly, Twilight let up and turned to leave as Starbeam looks up toward her mother’s backside.

“I realize it’s difficult to talk about it, I understand,” Twilight spoke. “I’ve made many mistakes in my life, but my biggest regret is not being there to help you.”

As Twilight Sparkle turned the doorknob and opened the door, she turned back toward her child.

“When you’re ready to talk, Starbeam, just let me know,” Twilight added.

Just as Twilight Sparkle pushed the door open, a soft hand grasped upon hers. Twilight looks up toward a welcoming presence before her: Sunset Shimmer, her old friend from ‘Canterlot High’ and her loving wife for the past ten years. The fiery haired girl turned toward their daughter, who turned away for a bit.

“How is she?” Sunset asked concerned.

Twilight Sparkle didn’t quite answer the question. She just closed her eyes and shook her head with a sigh. Sunset nodded understandingly; she could tell Twilight Sparkle was slightly frustrated but not in a mean way.

“Hey, don’t beat yourself up over it,” Sunset advised. “There are some things that can’t be discussed right away… Isn’t that right, Starbeam?”

Their daughter turned back up, her eyes meeting Sunset’s. She tried to maintain even a tiny smile, though the sad atmosphere filled the air.

“I know how hard that is, kiddo,” Sunset continued. “I’ve had my fair share of concerns myself. If you don’t want to talk about it right now, then don’t talk. But if it makes you feel better, I could stick around here until you feel better. Now how does that sound?”

“… Actually, if you would that would be great,” Starbeam nodded with a smile.

Sunset nodded, as she observed the bit of space on the bed.

“Hopefully, there’s enough room for two of us,” Sunset replied, trying to lighten the mood.

“I’ll go downstairs and make some tea,” Twilight said. “I’ll be right back.”

“You’re the best, Twi!” Sunset called out.

Twilight Sparkle left the room but kept the door open as the hallway light streamed into the dark bedroom. Sunset made her way toward Starbeam’s bed, observing the space her daughter didn’t take. She sits right beside Starbeam, who lays there quietly yet glances her eyes toward her mom. Sunset adjusts herself with the little space that remained.

“Uh oh,” Sunset feigned surprise. “Looks like somebody’s got to lay off the cupcakes.”

It was an awkward thing to say, but that did more than enough to get a chuckle out of Starbeam. As blunt as that statement was, Starbeam liked it when her mom was in a playful mood.

“That’s one way to break the ice,” Starbeam smiled.

“Eh, I’m not as good at jokes unlike Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. Those two were notorious for their pranks when I was in high school. Besides, don’t think I don’t see that smile… that’s enough to prove I succeeded.”

Starbeam laughed a little more, knowing she had been caught red-handed. For a moment, her tension started to leave as the little girl started to relax. As if all the previous problems rambling in her mind drifted away.

“Somebody’s on a streak tonight,” Starbeam joked.

That got Sunset to laugh, as her daughter made a note of her hairstyle. They shared a moment or two just laughing together, until Starbeam sighed sadly. All thoughts drifted back to the elephant in the room: The presence of Midnight Sparkle, and her frequent visits in her dreams. The little girl lowers her head in defeat.

“… I’m sorry,” Starbeam mumbled under her breath. “I didn’t mean to make you and mom worried.”

Sunset turns toward Starbeam, casting aside her previous mood and displayed a more serious expression.

“There’s no reason to apologize for being scared,” Sunset stated. “Fear is a normal human response to anything. We’ve all been there, and I also know we have different ways to deal with it. Having fears doesn’t make you any less a person, I promise you.”

“I know, but… Sometimes… I feel like I burden to you or mom… Mostly both. You’ve done so much for me… The last thing I want is to—”

Sunset cut her off immediately, planting a single finger against Starbeam’s lips. The dead-center gaze from Sunset’s eyes caught the little girl by surprise.

“Starbeam Glitter, you are many things but a burden you are not. Don’t ever, ever think like that.”

“But—”

“No, buts. I-no… we love you. No matter what happens, our love for you is never going to change. Okay?”

It was more of a statement than a question, even at ten-years-old Starbeam Glitter was somehow smart enough to know the difference. Yet all Starbeam could do is look away, not because her mother was wrong. If anything, both Sunset and Twilight were far from wrong. But there was something else that’s been bothering Starbeam, something that has been bothering her for quite some time.

“I wish I could tell mom what’s wrong with me,” Starbeam sighed. “But every time I try… she comes into my mind. Always reminding me that she’s watching me, and I get so terrified of what she’ll do that that I just… I just… I freeze! It gets worse and worse everyday and… I’m scared that… one day she’ll take over, and everyone I love will be gone. I could feel her getting close to me… Wanting to use me, to make my every movement her own…”

Sunset Shimmer grew increasingly concerned the more Starbeam Glitter spoke, as her voice cracked between sentences. She was fully of aware of who Starbeam was referring to, yet she recalled that the subject in question was sealed up. Or at least, that’s what she thought.

“It’s about Midnight Sparkle… Isn’t it?” Sunset asked.

“Yes…” Starbeam nodded. “Every time I fall asleep, I feel her getting stronger to the point she’ll be ready to take control. I don’t know how much more I can handle… These dreams… These restless nights. Every nightmare I have, she puts me through the cruelest moments. And every dream is scarier than the last one… If she takes me, I’ll lose you and everyone I know… And I won’t be able to stop myself no matter what I do!”

Sunset Shimmer tried to think of something, anything to make Starbeam feel better. But no words came out. All she could do is wrap her arms around her sobbing daughter, hugging her as close to her chest as possible.

“Starbeam, we won’t let that happen to you,” Sunset assured quietly. “Even when all hope is lost, we’ll find a way to make it through. After all, I’m not called ‘Daybreaker’ for nothing. So long as I’m around, that demon won’t come anywhere near you or anyone else. And should that day ever come, me and a few friends of ours will put her in her place. Besides, if I screw up, Twilight will have a field day with me, and you know how she is when that happens.”

Starbeam could no longer hold back the tears any longer, as she grabbed her mother. She hugged Sunset tightly while she sobbed, the tears absorbed through her mother’s night shirt. Sunset merely returned the hug, allowing her daughter to let it all out.

“Could you stay with me tonight?” Starbeam asked. “Just until I fall asleep?”

“Of course,” Sunset smiled, nodding. “I’ll stay as long as you need. Don’t worry about Midnight Sparkle, we’ll keep this between us for now. Nothing in the multiverse will take you away from us.”

Sunset kept her daughter close but felt this weird sensation in her bones. As if she could send something or rather, someone, watching the two. Her eyes catch a hand near the light switch. Her senses heightened; Sunset prepared herself for whatever was about to happen. As Sunset’s hand lit up, she prepared to attack. However, it was all short lived when the lights came on and the person in question was revealed.

“I thought I heard noises up here,” A raspy voice replied.

Rainbow Dash, one of Sunset and Twilight’s closest friends from Canterlot High. Still the same girl as she was in grade school, only her hairstyle looked more like a mohawk, the sides of her head appeared to have been shaved.

“When I got the text that a certain kid was having creepy dreams, I came to fight them off!” Rainbow smirked, turning towards Sunset. “And as for you, don’t you know it’s bad for your eyes when the light is off? Last thing we need is three blind people walking around.”

Sunset hid her hand, sighing in relief with a chuckle over Rainbow’s little joke. Her fears dissolved once she clearly saw it was just one of her longtime friends. The most loyal friend a girl can ask for, neither Sunset nor Twilight can deny that.

“You got me, Dash,” Sunset answered.

Still, once Rainbow calmed down, she could sense something was off. Especially the way she saw how protective Sunset was over Starbeam and how frightened the girl seemed.

“Hey, you all right?” Rainbow asked. “I didn’t mean to put you girls on edge.”

“It’s nothing, Rainbow,” Sunset shook her head. “It’s just been a long night.”

“Really? You don’t sound fine. I sense some hostility coming from you.”

“Just being paranoid, mother’s instincts. Didn’t expect to see you at this hour. Say, how’s Fluttershy doing?”

“Oh, she’s great!” Rainbow replied casually. “She’s working late at the Animal Shelter, but she can handle herself against the big, scary animals. Last I checked, everything went off without any complications. I’m going to pick her up as soon as her shift is over. But hey, we oughtta get together and hang out just for old time’s sake.”

It was then that Rainbow Dash acknowledged Starbeam, still holding onto her mother.

“How about Starbeam? Is she okay?”

“She’s doing okay,” Sunset nodded, patting her daughter’s head. “Seems the dreams she’s been having must’ve been something fierce.”

Rainbow Dash thought for a moment, despite the fact Sunset tried to avoid making her worry. Still, if Rainbow Dash believed there was a means to fix this, she’d find a way.

“I know!” Rainbow Dash thought, sliding onto the bed. “A hug from yours truly should help little Starbeam! I’ll have those fears fixed in a snap!”

“Well, this is you we’re talking about…” Sunset smiled, with a chuckle. “By all means!”

Starbeam turns toward Rainbow Dash with teary eyes, as she joined in the hug. The rainbow-haired woman pats a hand atop Starbeam’s head.

“If there’s one thing I’m able to do, it’s always making everyone feel better,” Rainbow replied. “Well… that, and my awesomeness. Oh! How about tomorrow I put together my favorite dessert, along with your favorite dinner, by your favorite aunt?”

“That would be nice,” Starbeam smiled. “Thank you, Auntie Dash.”

“Anything for you honey.”

Rainbow Dash lifts Starbeam onto her lap, and proceeds to rub one knuckled above the girl’s head, Starbeam laughed as she tried to fight her way out of her aunt’s infamous noogies. Sunset Shimmer merely smiled at the interaction when a knock at the door drew her attention.

“Sunset?” Twilight called from the open door. “Can I speak to you for a moment?”

“I’ll be just a moment,” Sunset answered, turning to Dash. “Hey Rainbow, would you fill my spot for me while I’m gone?”

“Don’t worry about us, Sunny,” Rainbow reassured. “I’ll keep her so close it’ll be like your still here. Besides, nobody throws together a better hug than yours truly!”

Starbeam let out a soft chuckle, more than enough to make Sunset smile.

“I’m holding you to that, Dash. I won’t be too long.”

With that said, Sunset Shimmer left the room with Twilight Sparkle, closing the door behind them.

“It’s about Starbeam, isn’t it?” Sunset asked, straight to the point.

“Yes,” Twilight Sparkle nodded. “I’m worried about her condition, Sunset. I know she asked you not to say anything to me so I wouldn’t worry. I can’t fault her for that, as much as it pains me to hear that. All the same, I can’t help but express the desire to help despite otherwise. If only to prove I’ve been through the same thing: The nightmares, the emotional abuse… everything… Midnight Sparkle was part of me as much as she’s part of Starbeam now.

“I know I don’t have the magic to help, but still… If it’s possible, I want you to get rid of whatever’s the cause to all this. If something hurts her or worse if she transforms into that horrible demon…”

Twilight Sparkle found herself unable to finish the sentence. She immediately broke down, removing her glasses, and planting her face on Sunset’s shoulders. Sunset could only do the one thing she knew that would help. She softly takes Twilight’s cheek and brought her face close to hers.

“Twilight… Look at me,” Sunset spoke. “I will never let it get to that point. If I was able to save you, this should be no different. I’m stronger than I was ten years ago. If it’s really Midnight Sparkle, and somehow she transferred over to Starbeam, I’ll deal with her myself or get the other Twilight to help us. Just put those fears to rest… We’re much stronger than she ever is or was. Okay?”

“… You’re right, Sunset,” Twilight nodded. “I know you are, and I trust you. Thank you.”
Twilight then opened her eyes, peering directly towards Sunset’s.

“I love you.”

“I love you too,” Sunset replied.

Before the two leaned toward each other to kiss, the door opens, and they heard someone clear their throat. They turn in surprise as Rainbow Dash leans casually while the two girls before her blushed.

“Hate to break the lovey-dovey moment,” Rainbow replied. “But Starbeam has something to say.”

From behind Rainbow Dash, Starbeam leans out nervously. With some encouragement from her aunt, Starbeam steps out and addresses her parents.

“Um…. Sun… Uh, I mean mom…” Starbeam asked with difficulty. “W-would you… stay with me tonight?” She asked with difficult.

Sunset walks over to their daughter and pats her on the head.

“You don’t even have to ask,” Sunset assured. “Of course I’ll stay with you tonight.”

Starbeam races over to her mom and they give each a warm hug for the next few seconds.

“Come on, let’s get you to bed,” Sunset instructs.

“Wait!” Sunset spoke, stopping Sunset. “Can I do something really quick, please?”

Though a bit surprised, Sunset had a feeling as to what it was. Starbeam walks toward Twilight, hugging her mom, who hugs her right back.

“I’m sorry about earlier, mom… I love you.”

“I love you too, sweetie,” Twilight smiled. “Goodnight, sleep well.”

“Good night.”

Rainbow Dash just shook her head over all the mushy-gushy stuff. But then, her pocket vibrated and she noticed it started to glow. She reaches in and takes out her cellphone, reading a text message from Fluttershy.

“Fluttershy’s shift will be ending in ten minutes,” Rainbow replied cheerfully. “Now that everything’s peachy, I got to go pick up my own lovebird. Good night girls.”

“Night,” Twilight and Sunset said in unison.

“Bye Auntie Dash!” Starbeam called out.

As Twilight escorts Rainbow Dash downstairs to the front door, Sunset leads Starbeam back into her room. While the room was a bit cold and empty, the presence she felt earlier had since vanished. But nonetheless, Starbeam couldn’t help but feel skeptical as she looked around nervously.

“Mom?”

“What’s up, Star?”

“I just… want to thank you… for everything you’ve done for me.”

Sunset felt happier hearing those words from her little girl. She pulls her in, messing up her head as Starbeam whines and chuckles.

“Have I ever told you that you’re so much like your mother?” Sunset asked.

“You say that every day,” Starbeam chuckled.

“And it’s always true. Good night, Starbeam. And remember I’m right here if you need anything.”

“Thanks mom. Night…”

Sunset wraps her arm around Starbeam, as she lays her head upon the top of her mother’s chest. As soon as her eyes closes, the little girl proceeds to drift off to sleep with the soothing comfort of her mother’s hug keeping her safe and warm.